It is a moment that no network marketer enjoys. It is the “make it or break it” in the relationship with a prospective distributor or prospective customer. “Is this business a legitimate and ‘real’ business?”
The fact is that “explaining the industry” has become much easier for the networker in recent years. Not only can direct sellers point to the U.S. presence of 14 million networkers selling $30 billion in products and services, but U.S. financial markets and Wall Street have provided much needed validation.
- In addition to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, the signature U.S. financial conglomerate, acquiring Pampered Chef, major Wall Street and N.Y. investment capital funds have invested billions of dollars in the acquisition of Shaklee, Herbalife, Arbonne, Neways, etc.
- Leading direct selling companies are traded on major financial stock exchanges, including Avon, NuSkin, Tupperware, USANA, Pre-Paid Legal (LegalShield), etc.
- World famous brands have chosen network marketing as additional channels of distribution, including Virgin, Time Warner, Body Shop, Crayola, etc.
- World financial giants such as Citibank have added billions to the bottom line in the distribution of financial services through subsidiaries such as Primerica.
Read how to tell the difference between a pyramid scheme and a “real” direct selling company in the article, “Is This a Pyramid or a Legitimate MLM?” Or, watch the video: From a Legal Perspective: The Difference Between a Pyramid Scheme and Legitimate MLM.