One of the things IBOs are taught is to blame themselves for is not working the business hard enough or not doing things right, exactly as upline advised. Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. It's just that uplines want to be absolved from any responsibility so they teach downline that failure in Amway is their own (The downline's) fault. Upline is also quick to take credit for any success, of course.
But the reason is why hard work doesn't equal success is because an Amway IBO is basically a commissioned only sales person. In commissioned sales, one can work hard for no reward and at times, little effort may reap large rewards. But in Amway, with a spotty reputation, Amway IBOs are dealt with a handicap that most simply cannot overcome. Getting new people to recruitment meetings is hard enough, not even factoring in the abililty to sponsor others. When factoring in these tidbits, it's easy to see why uplines teach buy from yourself and selling is not needed. Not to mention Amway's uncompetitive prices which make sales very difficult, save for some sympathetic friends and family.
The work involved is very simple. Sell products and get other IBOs in your downline to do the same to be able to leverage your volume. Many IBOs work hard and attend all of the functions and do all of the steps as outlined by upline, but very few reap rewards and most quit when they realize that the system doesn't work. It is sad that on top of losing money, that IBOs are also taught to blame themselves for their demise. Where is the upline when IBOs bust their butts working har and get no rewards? On top of that, to make it worse, uplines profit from selling training and motivation to their downlines. Why aren't they held acountable?
I've read comments by some Amway defenders wanting to sue Amway critics for a potential loss of business. But most critics, like myself are simply stating our experiences and opinions. Most of which are true and still happening today. So I will ask, what about the millions of former IBOs who may have lost billions of dollars because of false claims which led them to believe that they would get rich following upline advice? Maybe former IBOs should unite and file claims against unethical upline leaders who led them astray?
In any case, hard work doesn't equate success in Amway and I dare anyone to try to prove me wrong.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, watch the movie "Believe" an MLM mockumentary. On top of it being hilarious, and sadly truthful, the one guy who seems to hit it big worked less than most of his "mentors", and became an over night success. While there may be cases for people being successful based on luck more than education and work, it seems to average itself out for the most part.
In the case of Amway, the people who work the hardest, and are the most educated, seems to even itself in reverse as they lose their investment. It is only the people who get lucky, for the most part, that show true success.
I've never seen the movie but maybe I should get a copy on Amazon. LOL
DeleteAmway IBOs don't fail because they didn't work hard enough. They fail because the Amway product is virtually unsellable due to it being overpriced and because recruiting downline or selling the Amway "tools" requires one to be a convincing liar. Most IBOs give up once they realize what Amway really is about. Anybody who actually "succeeds" at purveying a scam like Amway would not be trusted by me.
ReplyDeleteMost Amway IBOs fail because they have to. That's how the MLM system works.
DeleteNot because they have to but that's how the system is designed..... Only to enrich the big pins.
DeleteYes, MLM is designed to have most fail. You have 1 platinum and maybe 100 downline to make that platinum. A upline diamond has 6 of these groups which equals hundreds of people losing money.
DeleteWhat, Joecool, you haven't seen Believe (2007)?? It's hilarious! Here's a free extra from it:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFtJC9CqQ4c.
Another funny short movie on Amway called Grand Zero (2015):
https://vimeo.com/106241499
A trailer and promo for a documentary not yet made called Man on Top:
https://vimeo.com/124063366
https://ksr-video.imgix.net/projects/1831045/video-535682-h264_high.mp4
Tell us what you thought of these!
Hilarious. It almost seems corny but MLMers actually use those kinds of lines on people. LOL
DeleteWow Grand Zero was the first film that I have seen that takes a darker look, and I really enjoyed the perspective they shot it from. There was someone who commented on a different forum recently who said that R+F was going to be an amazing opportunity for themselves, and they would have something to leave for their children. Little did they realize Grand Zero thought ahead and showed exactly what their children might be stuck with.
DeleteAs for Man on Top that trailer looks a bit older, did it never get funded? It seems to be a pity since they have a stellar cast of consumer advocates in Ethan Vanderbuilt, and Robert Fitzpatrick. Hopefully they could get Bill Ackerman as well.