I often hear stories and testimonies about how some people (usually newbies) have this incredible belief in Amway, their sponsors and their LOS, such as WWDB or Network 21. Being that many, possibly most IBOs are sponsored by a friend or family member, means that there is an inherent trust in the sponsor or upline. If that were not true, then we would likely see many more complaints about Amway and/or the uplines and lines of sponsorship.
An important facet of being an IBO is to have a dream. Don't let "naysayers" steal your dream, is what many IBOs are told. But what is that dream? Is is a dream (a long term attainable goal) or a wish such as winning the powerball lottery? Many prospects and IBOs want to succeed. They are willing to work hard, and are very dedicated, I would say that these folks usually will end up failing, not for lack of effort, but for a flawed MLM/Amway system that cannot possibly reward more than a few. The famed 6-4-2, 6-4-3 or some other variation of the plan will illustrate that only 1 in 100 or so can be "platinum". And that's with nobody quitting. Factor in attrition and "do nothings" and it might be 1 in 200 who can reach platinum. Even if the whole world signed up for Amway, that fact doesn't change. Amway apologists might disagree but numbers are numbers and anyone can draw out groups and anyone can plainly see that a platinum group is one platinum with about 100 or more rank and file downline. Some may achieve 1000 PV or whatever, but generally speaking, only the platinum might make a net profit, depending on tool consumption. There is some evidence that platinums actually lose money. Imagine that!
Do you really believe in Amway and your line of sponsorship such as WWDB or Network 21? If you truly believe in Amway and your mentors, I challenge you to do one of these things. If you can't or won't, then I question your level of commitment. I question your belief. I'm not here to steal your dream. I am just challenging you.
Take your 6-4-2 or 9-4-2 or 6-4-3 plan (or whatever version you saw) to a loan officer at a bank and show them the plan. (Hey, it will help you be CORE) Ask the loan officer for their opinion of the plan and see if you can get a business loan based on the Amway plan. If not that, try seeking the advice of a real millionaire (Someone who has a net worth of a million bucks) and see if they think the 6-4-2 or other Amway (version) plans can work and whether they think Amway is a good idea. Heck, try asking your church Pastor. My church Pastor said Amway had too many false hopes and promises to be considered a viable business option. In other words, the business did more harm than good for most people.
How strong is your belief in Amway? Strong enough to take my challenge? Or will you ignore this and go on fooling yourself? Are you still dreaming of hitting it big or are you thinking I'm here to steal your dream? I'm not here to steal anyone's dream, just to stimulate your thought process. Good luck.
Belief fades for everyone only after their first two-three months, and I had the questions too. But as long as they keep hearing "you're doing great, success round the corner" they're doomed! I would like to see some Amway apologists defend or give excuses on this post..
ReplyDeleteI have had many experiences with people involved in various MLMs. Some I have known from work, others I come in contact with from living in the same neighborhood for years. I write this due to this post focusing on the IBO's "dream."
DeleteWhat I have come to understand about these people who invest so much of themselves into these things is their decision to do so has little to do about finances and more to do with filling some personal need or void. It almost always seems that those who attempted these various setups from a purely financial and therefore objective manner were the ones who discovered the inherent flaws and misgivings and left. But, as mentioned previously, I believe objectivity has little to do with the reason so many fervently defend and preach the gospel of MLM.
Look at the "seminars" that MLM members attend which are nothing more than big pep rallies of sorts, intent on further controlling the emotions of it's flock/minions/sheep/drones/etc. Listen to the rhetoric that these people start using in their conversations, especially amongst others of their group. And observe how their social behavior changes when in company of those who are "potential recruits" and especially when faced with a detractor, even a mild one. Doesn't all of this seem quite familiar? Is the behavior of an MLM's devotees any different from that of someone who has invested themselves into any other religion for the wrong reasons, be it spiritual, commercial, political, environmental, etc. Having MLM members continuously focus on their "dreams" is just another example of the cult mind and how various groups exploit it. Just like blaming themselves if they don't succeed and disassociating themselves or becoming hostile to those who oppose or simply try to reason with them. Is having someone approach you with "an opportunity of a lifetime" that "you would be a fool to miss out on" any different from someone approaching you about their religion and how you need it to be "saved"? No. All of these things serve the same purposes: for people to feel like they belong to something, or satisfy the need to feel knowledgeable or of some use in life, and unfortunately it is also perfect for those to who would wish to control and profit off those people.
Religion comes in many guises and all of them can be quite ugly.