For a full list of videos on the multilevel marketing industry, visit the Video Library.

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

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

Other to do items: Talk to others in the business. Talk to customers. Do a Google and Google News search. Do an online blog search. Watch YouTube videos. Look to websites such as www.mlmlegal.com that profile companies. Attend a businesspresentation. Do an internet search for review of the quality of the products.

Bottom line: Approach this decision as you would any other important decision, and do it with common sense.

MLMLegal.com is bustling with educational content for direct sellers and startup/existing MLM companies! Be sure to visit us often!

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.

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

The most assumed and expected incentives are monetary and come in the form of bonuses and commissions. Since direct selling companies are trying to incentivize different types of consultant behavior, the compensation plans of MLM companies are often complex and multi-task to provide incentives for retail selling, preferred recurring customers, building wide, building deep, working with immediate downlines and deep into a downline, time sensitive personal and group sales production, personal and group sales, longevity, quick start, among others. Incentive programs are usually designed to affect the distributor’s ultimate sales behavior.

Beyond cash incentives, most leading network marketing companies understand the power and inspiration behind noncash incentives that resonate financially and emotionally with distributors and keep them bonded to the company. Among the common incentives are auto lease support programs, house payment support programs, travel/trip incentives, conventions, reward pins and accessories, iPads, and tangible giveaways.

Of course, the most powerful noncash incentive is recognition for distributor accomplishments.

Do you want to learn more about incentives? Check out the video by expert MLM Attorney, Jeff Babener:

Do Incentives Increase Sales? How Worthwhile Are Consultant Incentives?

Join us for the next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference in Las Vegas. Call 503-226-6600 or 800-231-2162 to register.

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

It’s always a good idea as a MLM distributor to keep yourself encouraged and engaged in your career by participating in company-offered training events. Company training events are meant to enhance your sales skills and increase your motivation. Enthusiastic network marketing companies will offer their distributors tools and seminars to help you improve and grow your business. Many MLM companies offer training tools in an online, back-office environment, while others will host elaborate in-person events in select cities.

You can always find ways to improve your sales and business skills online, either through your company’s training materials or by performing your own online research. Articles, business and sales books, and blogs written by successful distributors are great places to start.

MLM company seminars are particularly encouraging for MLM distributors. At company events, you’ll be able to meet other like-minded, goal-oriented distributors who will inspire you. Networking at company training events will empower you to meet other distributors within the company.

When you attend a distributor recognition or training event, shake plenty of hands and ask a lot of questions. We suggest a few starter tips for networking at company-sponsored events:

• What is your motivation story? Successful distributors will share motivational stories and tips for successful selling and recruiting. Have you ever wondered how top distributors earn incomes in the $10,000, $50,000 or even $100,000 range? At your company’s training event, successful distributors will share their stories of how they became successful as MLM consultants.
• How do you use social media? There are top distributors who have mastered networking and sales through social media. Be sure to meet people who have creative ideas on how to use social networking sites, like Facebook and Twitter, to sell bucket-loads of products/services.
• Who do you sell to? Do you feel like you’ve exhausted your friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances? Company events are a great place to hear the secrets of how top-earning distributors have reached outside of their social circle and sold to the rest of the world.
• Why are your customers eager to make purchases from you? It’s not magic, but tricks do exist in selling and creating memorable introductions to potential customers. Make sure to ask how top distributors are engaging with their customers. What makes them good at selling? Perhaps you too can learn a few tricks to help you in your business?

Try to attend as many company events as possible. Take advantage of these events, meet people, and soak in the knowledge offered by the company and its top distributors. A MLM company training event is the absolute best place to learn how to grow your own business. If at all possible, use these events to find yourself a mentor or sponsor who will support you in your sales goals and teach you how to sell, where to sell, and how to meet your sales goals.

Being around people who are pursuing similar goals can help you stay focused and work harder to attain professional success. MLM company events will help you get excited about what you’re doing, and give you the extra boost you need to set your goals a little higher than before.

And always, with hard work and dedication, you may find yourself mentoring new distributors or starting your own direct selling business some day!

MLMLegal.com is bursting with educational content for direct sellers and startup/existing MLM companies! Be sure to visit us often!

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.

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.

Want to learn more? Watch these videos by MLM expert attorney, Jeff Babener.

What Are the Most Important Things to Remember When You Host a Distributor Recognition Event?

If I’m a New Distributor Then Should I Focus My Selling In Areas Where Other Distributors Are Successful Or Should I Focus On Untouched Territory?

What Do I Do with Distributors Who Go Passive (for MLM Distributors)?

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

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:

1. Enhance distributors’ self-image.
2. Enhance the image of the network marketing industry as a whole.
3. Educate distributors about the direct selling, MLM industry.
4. Create a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed in operating a network marketing business.
5. Help distributors understand the responsibility of being in business for themselves.
6. Make product education paramount in training programs.
7. Develop business management skills.
8. Help consultants understand the dynamics of people-interaction or person-to-person relationships.
9. Teach (or encourage the learning of) new business technology application to the business, such as computer software programs and website platforms.
10. Help distributors understand the basic concepts behind the network marketing method of distribution.
11. Create an appreciation of ethical standards.
12. Teach distributors how to run a small business, such as managing taxes, distributor networks and accounting.
13. Work on goal-setting and planning; develop one, two, and three plans, rather than promote unrealistic instant success schemes.
14. Develop the art of prospecting (finding and recruiting new distributors for your downline).
15. Help distributors understand the concept of commitment.
16. Learn to value the contribution of others in their home business.
17. Prepare to give effective presentations.
18. Learn how to deal with objections, rejections, and discouragement; helping distributors understand that an objection is nothing more than a question in disguise.
19. Develop an understanding of the legal issues impacting the network marketing industry and the individual distributor business owner.
20. Help distributors understand the art of duplication and the power of setting an example (in recruiting).
21. 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.

1. You must be able to meet people! This is a people business. The only way you’ll find recruits and customers is by getting out there and marketing! If you’re not a people person, this business likely isn’t for you!

2. Do you believe in the products you’re selling? You must be excited about the product you are selling. If you don’t believe in the product it will impact your sales results. You must be the type of person who gets enthusiastic about sharing your product with others. Excitement plays an important role in a purchase decision in the network marketing business!

3. Have patience. It takes time to grow your business, as it does with any other business. Give yourself at least two years to succeed. Try. Try. And try again. Create goals lists. Take small goals and turn them into huge goals. It make be slow, but you can grow!

4. Attend company training programs. Network marketing / MLM companies often offer training programs to help you succeed in recruiting and training new consultants. Take advantage of the training programs your company offers. Don’t let those valuable networking opportunities go to waste either!

5. Work with your sponsor, and work with those you sponsor. You should soak up as much experience as you can from your sponsor and pass that knowledge down to those that you sponsor. A successful sales organization has successful distributors. If you’re not willing to help others and be helped, this business is not for you.

6. Think positively. Remember, the MLM business will subject you to a lot of motivational speakers, sales and promotional materials. Some of it will be useless, while some of it won’t. When things don’t go smoothly keep yourself in a positive frame of mind. On average, you’ll have to make ten presentations to make just one sale! You need to be able to positively deal with rejection. Maintaining a positive attitude will go a long way in keeping you motivated and encouraged to succeed!

7. Get organized. Set aside a place in your home that is used just for business. Make good use of the incredible amount of free computer software and apps. Keep a daily planner. Keep track of customers, prospective customers, etc. Send out those emails and reminders. Stay organized!

8. Be loyal. Don’t become a “multilevel junkie!” Some distributors fail because they bounce from one network marketing opportunity to another – again and again. This is a prescription for failure! While many successful distributors may be involved in promoting two or three direct selling product lines at once, the most successful distributors are those who focus on promoting the products or services of a single network marketing / MLM / direct sales company over a long period of time. Find the right company for you, and then stick with it! Loyalty pays.

9. Work hard! Network marketing is not a quick, easy path to a lifetime of prosperity. Nor is it a free ride to wealth that requires absolutely no effort on your part. It doesn’t work that way. In fact, it doesn’t work at all unless you do! You have to devote time and effort to it especially in the very beginning. It can pay out huge rewards. But regardless of what everyone tells you, you must work for those payoffs! Work as hard as your competition is working – then harder!

Want to learn more?

MLMLegal.com has tons of resources to help and motivate successful distributors. Here are just a couple of videos out of the Video Library that you may find helpful!

What is the Benefit of Recruiting Experienced Distributors?

Tips to be a Successful Network Marketing Distributor

What do I do with Distributors who go “Passive?”

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

1) In your first year, what is your objective as a distributor? It is important to establish long-term goals and remind yourself of them frequently. If your objective is to sponsor 25 distributors in the first year, then you must recruit an average of two people each month. Once you develop long-term goals it is easier to see, and therefore reach, the short term goals.

2) How many people are you going to need in your organization? If your answer to the first question is monetary, then you will need to determine how many people you will need to recruit in order to meet your sales goals. Be sure to study the company’s compensation plan to understand what you need to do in order to succeed.

3) How much time do you feel it will require each week? Depending on your objectives, you may decide to spend ten hours a week or 30 hours a week recruiting, advertising, and selling. Keep in mind that most companies state that home parties average around 1.5 hours. 

4) What strengths do you have that will assist you in reaching this objective? Whether you are part of a community group or church or are great at approaching people, realizing your strengths will contribute to your success.

5) What weaknesses do you have that might inhibit you from success? Knowing your weaknesses are just as important as knowing your strengths. If you are honest to yourself about your weaknesses then you will be able to improve on them. Late-risers wake up earlier, the unorganized get organized, and the shy become speakers, for instance.

6) Do you have realistic objectives? If you plan to make $100,000 the first year and don’t know any people that may be willing to attend a party, then is a $100k sales goal realistic? Be realistic and start with goals you know you are capable of achieving.

7) Ask yourself how you would feel if you failed to reach your goal? It’s okay to fail; the key is to restructure your objective list and retry until you’re successful.

8 ) Vividly imagine yourself reaching your objective? How does it feel? Remind yourself regularly of that feeling.

9) Are you going to need the assistance of significant others in your life? What steps can you take to ensure their assistance? Remember to consider each individual’s strengths when you answer this question.

10) What will you need to invest in sales aids and inventory to do business? Be sure to budget sales aids, inventory, office space, gas, travel, and other expenses into your overall budget.*

* This is an excerpt from the book The Network Marketer’s Guide to Success available to order here.

Watch the related video by expert MLM Attorney Jeff Babener: Do You Have Some Tips to Become a Successful Network Marketing Distributor?

Visit www.mlmlegal.com for the most reliable, credible legal information about the MLM industry.

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

Although the terms sponsoring and recruiting are often used interchangeably, they are actually have two very different meanings. Recruiting is the act of searching and soliciting for new distributors for the downline sales organization of an existing distributor. Of course, the activity carries important responsibilities, such as compliance with company and statutory guidelines on earnings representations, product representations, and representations as to the business opportunity of the company.

Once a recruit has agreed to join the company, a recruiting distributor becomes a sponsor. Almost all company policies set forth very specific duties and responsibilities of a sponsor, including supervision, training, and communication with their downline sales organization. In addition, all companies have specific rules on cross-sponsoring and respectful relationships with other sponsors and distributors.

Watch the video for a detailed explanation by Jeff Babener, Editor of MLMLegal.com. View all of our new videos and more on our new and improved website: MLMLegal.com!

MLMLegal.com is bustling with educational content for direct sellers and startup/existing MLM companies! Be sure to visit us often!

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 May 20, 2016 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.

Some legal case authorities claim that if a consultant announces that they are going to join another MLM company on Facebook then it’s protected under freedom of expression by the First Amendment. Therefore, a company cannot accuse a consultant of raiding their downline for distributors. Other courts and cases have suggested that consultants separate out their Facebook downline from those of friends and family.

It is very common for consultants to have friends on their social media accounts who are friends and customers, or co-workers and friends, or family friends and work friends, as well as also being someone they know in their direct selling business as customers or sponsors. Since many consultants often sell to their warm market first, distributors often know their customers or sponsor as friends, relatives, or church members. This causes some issues to arise for the MLM company.

A common issue that the industry is grappling with right now occurs when a consultant leaves a network marketing company and joins another MLM company, then begins promoting the second company to their Facebook friends (or other social networks) and to the people who are in their downline organization from the first company. The question is often asked as to whether or not this is considered distributor raiding. The industry has not come to a consensus on this issue yet. Many MLM companies, however, do ask that consultants who leave their company and start selling for another company, not raid their sales organization because they’re damaging the livelihood of all of the other consultants left behind. The industry is working its way through this issue but has not come up with concrete solution to the problem yet.

There is conflicting legal case authority on the issue. Some legal case authorities claim that if a consultant announces that they are going to join another MLM company on Facebook then it’s protected under freedom of expression by the First Amendment. Therefore, a company cannot accuse a consultant of raiding their downline for distributors. Other courts and cases have suggested that consultants separate out their Facebook downline from those of friends and family. But, as we saw above, Facebook friends do not always fit into black and white categories. Often, your friend is also your co-worker. Your relative is also your customer. Your neighbor is also your friend. The courts have argued that Facebook is, in a way, simply a sophisticated means of sending emails because each post is like sending out a bulk email to several hundred people. From this prospective, deciding on whether or not there is a conflict is complex.

We will let you know if the courts come to a deciding factor anytime in the future. In the meantime, if you are in a similar position, we recommend that you read your company’s policies and procedures to see their specific policy on the topic of consultant raiding. You will also find hundreds of articles on our website(s) and blogs on the topic of distributor raiding.

Here are a few that may be of interest to you:

Why do MLM Companies Require Distributors to Use Replicated Websites Rather than Distributor-Created Websites?

Executive Interview by the DSWA – “Legal Hotspots for Direct Selling Companies” with Jeff Babener – Video

Can I and should I join multiple companies and establish multiple downlines?

MLM Company Policies on Social Networks and Distributor Raiding

How Have Raiding Rules Evolved in Direct Selling Contracts and Policies and Procedures? – Video

How Have Raiding Rules Evolved in Direct Selling Contracts and Policies and Procedures?

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

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.