This blog post is the companion post to the video The Legal Issues of Starting and Running a MLM Company. The following is the transcript of MLM Attorney Jeff Babener’s own words:
Hi, I’m Jeff Babener of MLMLegal.com, and I’d like to talk to you today MLMLegal.com. Don’t leave home without it.
At first glance, one might question the role of the MLM law expert in a marketing-driven industry. However, your MLM lawyer may be the single most valuable resource that you will ever utilize.
There are very few in the gene pool who have intimate, practical knowledge, as well as legal knowledge of the business; often understanding the business better than most of his or her clients. It is a unique blend of marketing, practical knowledge, and experience combined together, with practical legal experience, that may cause the MLM lawyer to answer questions (off the top of his or her head) in five minutes what would take a typical business lawyer five years to research. And, in which case, they would still probably not understand the issues, let alone the solutions. For better or for worse, the practices of the MLM industry have induced scores of legislation and regulatory control, such as pyramid statutes, MLM statutes, Business Opportunity, security, FTC, and postal regulation. Notwithstanding the success of the industry, there is always tension between the regulatory community and the MLM industry. Overzealous regulators and rouge operators guarantee that this state of affairs will always exist.
Later issues with distributor relations, distributor discipline, FDA, trademark, tax, and international expansion arise. It is easy to see why the MLM attorney is probably the first person with whom you should establish a relationship and with who you should grow. That person is a trusted business advisor and a member of your business team.
At a minimum, you would be premature to jump into the marketplace without a legal review by MLM Legal Counsel of the most basic of sales kit contents. The basics include representative agreements, policies and procedures, product brochures, marketing plan presentations, as well as various forms, ranging from retail receipts to auto ship, to multiple owner applications, etcetera.
Responding after the fact to regulatory agencies over deficient materials or answering distributor complaints for slip shot documentation is too little, too late. And it will be too bad for the start up MLM business.
Wishing you the best in your direct-selling business, I’m Jeff Babener.
For more information visit our websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.
Or, visit these links for more information:
Why You Should Trademark Your MLM Company Name
Profile of the Leading MLM Law Firm – Babener & Associates and MLMLegal.com
An Introduction to Direct Selling and The Basics of MLM
Recruiting Advice from an Industry Expert – The MLM Fairytale “Network Marketing and Frogs”
Jeffrey Babener’s Youtube Channel Reaches 60,000 Views
Short Course on Network Marketing: Q&A with Jeffrey Babener on Pyramid Schemes Video
Profile of a Leading MLM Law Firm – Babener & Associates Video
How Does a Business Lawyer become a MLM Lawyer? Video
Is a MLM Lawyer a Typical Lawyer? Video
What is the role of an Experienced MLM Legal Counsel? Video
CNBC.com Cites Legal Expert, Jeffrey Babener on FTC Business Opportunity Rule
The Role of MLM Legal Counsel – Why Hire a MLM Attorney
Where to Find MLM Startup Tips and Answers from an Industry Expert
An Interview with Industry Expert and Advocate, Jeffrey Babener
Interview with Expert MLM Attorney – How to Handle Compliance Discussions with your Distributors
Make sure to visit our blogs for the latest information on the direct selling industry: MLMLegal Blog Home and MLM Attorney Blog Home. HINT: Chose a category to narrow your search for discussion topics!
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And, as always, visit MLMLegal.com, the best MLM resource on the web. The next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference is quickly approaching! On February 21st and 22nd, 2013 we are hosting the MLM Conference for the 25th year! This is now our 63nd annual conference (held almost consistently three times per year over the last 24 years). All executives/owners of MLM, direct selling, network marking, and party plan companies are welcome to attend. This is the original MLM Startup Conference, hosted and perfected by direct selling industry expert, MLM Attorney Jeff Babener. Call 503-226-6600 or 800-231-2162 to register. (Can’t make this event? Our next Conference takes place May 16th & 17, 2013 in Las Vegas! Call our office to register today!)
