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New Video! Who Owns the Distributorship in the Event of Divorce?

Charity — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 17:21:58 +0000

Interviewed by Robin Seymour.

A Conversation with Jeff Babener Video Series: A network marketing distributorship is an asset of a marriage. State law will determine what happens to your distributorship in the event of divorce. Watch the video. And to learn more visit www.mlmlegal.com.

Watch the video!

For more information on legal aspects of direct selling, visit MLMLegal.com.

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

6 Questions to Ask Yourself before Joining a MLM Company

Charity — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 16:26:09 +0000

Many people look to make a little extra income to take home to their families. There are several ways to do that but one of the most common is through direct selling or work from home opportunities.

There are so many MLM, network marketing companies in operation. How do you know which one is a good fit for you? Have you thought about what type of product you’d like to sell? Or the compensation plan that would work best for you? Do you have a sponsor that will support you in growing your home-based business?

As you are researching your options, keep the following six questions in mind before you choose to sign up with a direct selling company.

Does the direct selling company have a valid product or service that you believe in—that you are passionate about selling?
Does the company management have proven experience in network marketing?
Does the compensation plan provide retail profit to the distributor and pay bonuses for developing a downline organization?
Does the MLM company offer top quality promotional and support materials?
Does the network marketing company offer ongoing field training and support available throughout the country?
Do you have a sponsor that is willing to work with you and help you in your efforts?

These questions are all imperative to the success of your distributorship business. Weigh your options carefully. Network with other distributors about the companies in which they’ve had success. Do your research, compare each company apples to apples, or apples to pears. Make sure that you choose a company that you are not only passionate about, but that is also supportive of its distributors.

Watch some of our most popular videos to learn more about network marketing and MLM.

Do You Have Some Tips to Become a Successful Network Marketing Distributor?

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?

If a Sales Kit or Startup Fee Is Several Hundred Dollars, Then Is This Considered “Frontloading”?

Why Do MLM Companies Require Distributors to Use Replicated Websites Rather Than Distributor-Created Websites?

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

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

What You Should Look for in a Technology Company When Choosing Back-Office Software — Watch this New Video!

Charity — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 18:38:54 +0000

Virtually all new startup MLM companies use an outsourced technology solution for managing genealogies and commission payouts. In addition, such technology serves consultants by providing back-office access for reviewing sales performance, commissions, etc.; replicated websites, communication tools, etc. The software is hosted on the server of the technology provider where it is maintained 24/7. As companies grow to substantial size, they typically may purchase a source code license and run the software on company computers.

There are many good software providers in the direct selling industry. For a list of some of various direct selling vendors, see the MLM Resources section at www.mlmlegal.com.

Choosing the right software provider presents an important task because the technology solution is integral to a successful business. Not only should the platform serve all the internal IT needs, but it should also demonstrate that it can integrate with other outside software applications such as eCommerce and sales and use tax compliance.

The search process should be deliberate. It is best to seek the advice externally or internally of an advisor with significant IT experience, preferably in direct selling. Companies should interview multiple software firms to examine the offerings, the service record and the right personal connection. It is recommended that MLM companies seek references and contact those references to learn about past performance record of the software provider before they decide to hire a software provider.

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 February 25 & 26, 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.

New Video: Is it Legal for Consultants to Sell Company Products through Booths?

Charity — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 16:50:07 +0000

As a distributor, can I use display booths to sell my company’s products? Is there a limit on the time I can spend selling at a booth? Watch the new video from www.mlmlegal.com.

This question likely refers to sales at trade show booths. First, check you company’s policies and procedures, as they will be the guiding rule to follow. Most companies allow distributors to operate a booth at a trade shows that are for the general public, such as boat shows, home shows, health shows, conventions, among others.

Although, most companies ask that distributors seek approval prior to operating a booth opportunity and they also insist on compliance with proper use of the company trademark and advertising. In addition, most companies do not permit the sale of other companys’ products or the promotion of other companys’ business opportunities at the booth. And, the time limitation is generally governed by the length of the event.

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’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.

Watch the Video – 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?

Charity — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:56:14 +0000

It is often said that direct selling/MLM/network marketing is about sharing your product and services first within your spheres of influence, i.e., first harvest the low lying fruit. This means calling upon your friends, family, social acquaintances, co-workers, members of your church or other religious group, fraternal organizations, etc. In other words, sell where you are most comfortable. Generally, this means territory close to home or, if at a distance, it is because you have connections. As you mature, you may venture into other territories, but it will likely be first through social networking.

Are you 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.

For more encouraging words to achieve success in network marketing, visit Attorney Jeff Babener’s websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

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.

New Video: Why Do I Need an Experienced Network Marketing Attorney?

Charity — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:41:38 +0000

At the very least, a direct sales company should not enter the marketplace without legal review of its marketing program. Hiccups caused by having to respond to regulatory agencies, consultant complaints, vendor conflicts, etc. can be bad for any MLM business and its reputation.

An experienced and seasoned direct sales attorney can be the single most valuable resource that a MLM company can ever utilize. Look for a professional who has represented leading direct selling companies as well as startup companies.

As industry experts, they commonly know more about multilevel marketing and direct selling than most of their clients. In fact, more than half of our conversations with clients involve discussions about the MLM industry, rather than the mere legal aspects of running a direct sales company. And over time, such an experienced “consigliere” (see the movie The Godfather) may become the most trusted business advisor to a company and a vital member of the business team.

Apart from tremendous insight into the business, an experienced network marketing attorney can answer in five minutes what would take a business attorney five hours to research. And, the business attorney would likely still not completely understand the issue, let alone the solution.

The direct sales industry has – for better or for worse – provoked vast amounts of legislation and regulatory control that network marketing attorneys must navigate.

A brief list of regulations, legislation and legalities that experienced MLM attorneys, such as Jeff Babener of Babener & Associates, must commonly appraise include:

– Pyramid statutes

– MLM statutes

– Business Opportunity Rule

– Securities

– FTC regulations

– Postal regulations

– FDA rules and regulations

– Distributor relationships

– Vendor relationships

– Distributor discipline

– Trademark

– IRS and tax regulations

– International expansion

– Sales tax

– Marketing

– State law and registration

– And, legal review of sales kit contents, which include:

1) Consultant agreements

2) Policies and procedures

3) Product brochures

4) Compensation plan

5) Marketing plan presentations

6) Forms, from receipts to multiple owner applications, etc.

Click here to watch the full video!

For more information, watch the video The Legal Issues of Starting and Running a MLM Company.

For more information about the importance of hiring a network marketing, visit Attorney Jeff Babener’s websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

In addition, 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.

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

NEW Video! What Do I Do with Distributors Who Go Passive (for MLM Executives)?

Charity — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 19:08:17 +0000

It has long been recognized that there is high attrition among network marketing consultants, perhaps as high as 80-90%! The vast majority of MLM distributors are part time and they join and leave for many reasons. The fault is not necessarily with the company. In fact, a direct selling company is competing for their time. MLM companies are competing for time with consultants who may be involved in the PTA, little league, another part time job, family demands, shifting duties as work, etc.

What is most important is that a MLM company use its time with its consultants to demonstrate great products and great service. Surely, it is important to try to keep distributors active; but if they do go passive, hopefully they will continue to buy products and services in the same fashion as preferred customers. Whether or not that happens is dependent on whether the distributor has truly bonded with the quality of product and service. At that point, MLM companies should take a lead from online sellers such as Amazon to determine what drives customers to continue coming back again and again. And at some point in the future, when the time is right, the passive individual who has a continuing positive experience, may well be back again as an active distributor.

For more tips on being a successful network marketing company owner, visit expert MLM Attorney Jeff Babener’s websites: www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

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

Looking Forward to 2015 – 63 New Videos Being Launched at MLMLegal.com

Charity — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 20:41:43 +0000

MLMLegal.com is famous for squashing MLM myths, spreading knowledge about the network marketing industry, and distributing resources to anyone who visits our website.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (depicted here in true Babener-fashion by Jeff Babener’s grandson, Sammy) are famous for battling petty criminals, evil overlords, mutated creatures, and alien invaders. MLMLegal.com is famous for squashing MLM myths, spreading knowledge about the network marketing industry, and distributing resources to anyone who visits our website.

Every year MLMLegal.com adds a comprehensive project to its website. Whether it is videos on network marketing, well-researched articles, library of legal cases, or a video miniseries, each year our website is expanded upon. This year is no different.

In 2014, MLMLegal.com committed the highly-regarded article “BurnLounge Appeal Decision: Guidance on Pyramid v. Legitimate MLM and the Role of Personal Use in Pyramid Analysis” to the website.

In 2015, we plan to add 63 new videos to our website and Youtube Channel on the topic of MLM education. Below are some of the topics to be discussed by MLM Attorney Jeff Babener in this new video series:

What’s the Difference between MLM, Network Marketing, Party Plan and Direct Sales?
What Is a “Pay to Play?”
How Much Does It Cost to Start a MLM Company?
How Do I Raise Capital to Start My MLM Business?
What Is the Benefit of Recruiting Experienced Distributors?
What about Gifting Clubs?
Why Do I Need an Experienced Network Marketing Attorney?
What Do I Do with Distributors Who Go Passive (for MLM Executives)?
What Do I Do with Distributors Who Go Passive (for MLM Distributors)?
What Key Factors Determine the Growth of Network Marketing Companies?
Do You Have Some Tips for Generating Network Marketing Leads?
Do You Have Some Tips to Become a Successful Network Marketing Distributor?
Are There MLM Companies That Have Achieved Success on a Low Budget?
Since You Are a MLM Attorney, Why Would You Host the MLM Startup Conference for the Executives of Startup and Existing Companies?
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?
I Own a MLM Company. How Can I Determine Cost of Goods? In Other Words, How Do I Price My Products for Retail, Distributor and Direct-To-Consumer Sales?
Do I Need To Worry about Merchant Account Processing? Should I Have Just One Merchant Account?
If a Sales Kit or Startup Fee Is Several Hundred Dollars, Then Is This Considered “Frontloading”?
How Do I Create a Compensation Plan That Guarantees That I Am Legal?
I’m Starting a MLM Company. I Am Going to Have Distributors Earn Income by
Referring Others, Is This Legal?
What Should I Look for When Hiring a Vice President of Marketing?
What Is the Typical Price of an at-Cost Starter Kit in the Industry?
Can I (as a MLM Executive) Pass the Costs of Website Development, Marketing Materials, Etc. Down to Distributors?
How Do I Find Top Distributors?
In an Absolute Nutshell, What Are the Two Main Causes of a MLM Company Failing?
As a Distributor, Can I Use Display Booths to Sell My Company’s Products? Is There a Limit on the Time I Can Spend Selling at a Booth?
In Regards to Event Sales, Such as Fairs, Kiosks, Vending Machines, Etc., Am I Authorized to Sell My Company’s Products at Such Events?
Why Do MLM Companies Require Distributors to Use Replicated Websites Rather Than Distributor-Created Websites?
What about Raising Capital to Start Your Network Marketing Company?
How Many People Would I Need in My Organization to Make Over $10,000?
Are Network Marketing Companies Mostly Moving to All-Digital/All-Online Starter Kits? Can It be Done in a Way That Ensures a High Perceived Value?
What Regulatory Changes Are Affecting Network Marketing Companies?
What Should I Look for in a Company When Choosing Back Office Software?
How Important Are Celebrity Endorsements? Do They Help Marketing or Is It a Double-Edged Sword?
How Often Should Companies Renew Their Policies and Procedures to Make Them Relevant in Today’s Marketplace?
Do You Want to Attract MLM Professionals or MLM Junkies into Your Direct Selling Company?
How Have Raiding Rules Evolved in Direct Selling Contracts and Policies and Procedures?
What Happens if Consultants Raid Anyway?
What Are the Most Important Things to Remember When You Host a Distributor Recognition Event?
Do Incentives Increase Sales? How Worthwhile Are Consultant Incentives?
What Do Startup Companies Think about Long Term Professional Relationships?
What Is the U.S. and International Trend in Recognizing the Validity of Personal Use by Distributors in Pyramid Cases?

So, keep your eyes on MLMLegal.com this year. We will have a lot of new content added to our website and we want you to be a part of it! Run, learn and get lost at MLMLegal.com!

For more information on any topic on network marketing that comes to mind, please visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

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

Our next Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference takes place October 27 and 28, 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.

Executives of Network Marketing Companies Attend May 14 and 15, 2015 Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference

Charity — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 19:39:44 +0000

The MLM Startup Conference is perfect for executives who have a lot of questions that need answered by a broad range of experts. It is also perfect for those who need general knowledge about the network marketing industry.

We’ve concluded the February 2015 Conference and scheduled the dates for our next event! The February Conference had in attendance over 100 people, from 65 MLM companies, representing 20 states and five countries (U.S., Canada, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil).

The next Conference takes place May 14 and 15, 2015 in Las Vegas! Executives/owners of MLM, network marketing, direct selling, and party plan companies are invited to attend. Learn how to structure your compensation plan, create a legal business structure, recruit top-ranking consultants, develop a business model, generate leads, find funding, build your website and back office, find the right technology provider, and so much more.

Attendees also have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the expert speakers. Our conference is an educational event. You decide who you’d like to speak with one-on-one. Do you have questions about the legality of your business plan? Sign up to meet with Attorney Jeff Babener, who has spent over 28 years representing companies in the direct selling industry. Do you have questions about your compensation plan? Sign up to meet with compensation plan consultant Mike Sheffield, who has also spent over 25 years in the industry. A full list of speakers and their expertise can be found here.

The conference covers a broad range of topics and also answers specific questions, such as: What is the importance of DSA membership for network marketing companies?

A: In an industry with potentially thousands of direct selling companies, only a select few hundred have become members of the U.S. DSA (Direct Selling Association). The DSA is a national trade association for the direct selling Industry. It has existed for more than 100 years in various forms and it sets standards for consumer protection and ethics by its member companies. It is widely recognized by federal and state legislatures and regulators, and has played a meaningful role in shaping legislation that impacts the direct selling industry. Many countries have affiliate “DSAs” and are joined under the umbrella of the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations. (WFDSA).

Since member companies are required to commit to a significant consumer protection Code of Ethics and to go through an extensive “vetting” process, membership brings a respect that is very valuable to distributors as they promote the programs of member companies. In addition, the DSA affords significant educational conferences and ongoing updates on industry issues to both members and to the public.

Do you have a specific question? The MLM Startup Conference is perfect for executives who have a lot of questions that need answered by a broad range of experts. It is also perfect for those who need general knowledge about the network marketing industry.

Learn more about the Starting and Running the Successful MLM Company Conference by clicking here. Also, learn how you can get two free tickets to attend through our Innovation Campaign by clicking here.

For more information on the network marketing industry visit www.mlmlegal.com and www.mlmattorney.com.

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